Cameron smiled broadly. “Me too. And here’s another thing you have to promise not to tell. I’m gonna propose.”
“Man, that’s great!” Ben leaned across and knocked his shoulder. “Congratulations!”
“Thanks.” Cameron couldn’t stop grinning.
“So, when’s the big day?”
Cameron held up a hand. “Hold your horses. I’m just finalizing the finer details. I want it to be special, you know?”
Ben nodded but in truth, he had no idea. He’d never given proposing a single thought. Hell, he’d never given long-term dating a serious thought either.
Cameron must have seen something in his face. “You’ll find the right girl too one day. It’s just a matter of time.”
“I’m not sure, Cameron.” Ben sighed. “I’ve never felt that way about a girl.”
Cameron frowned. “What about Suzie, then? You two seem to have hit it off. I know she can’t stop talking about you.”
Ben hesitated before continuing, “Yeah, Suzie….” He paused again. “I’ve been giving it a go with Suzie because, if any girl could be the one, then it would be her.” Realising what he said, he tried to continue, but Cameron interrupted.
He looked meaningfully at Ben. “Ifanygirl could? What does that mean?”
Ben squirmed under the scrutiny. As much as he wanted to confide in Cameron, he needed to sort some things out first. “She’s a nice girl. That’s all.” He stood. “C’mon, Let’s get this finished or we’ll be here all day.”
* * *
An hour or so later,after the clean-up was complete and Cameron had left, Ben stumbled into the bedroom and stripped off his filthy clothes. The dust and grime and bits of old ceiling plaster had gotten everywhere—into his clothes, his hair, and on his skin. He was desperate to get into the shower and wash himself from head to toe. The sensation of the hot water cascading from above and down his body was pure bliss, and he stood there for a while watching the rivulets as they moved over his body, enjoying the pounding water. Eventually, he stirred and gathered the energy to wash his hair before reaching for the shower gel and soaping up.
As he sponged, he thought of Cameron and Mel and how happy Mel was going to be when Cameron finally popped the question.It must be nice to be so sure and have your future mapped out.
His thoughts naturally turned to Spence and the feelings that he’d been trying to suppress for so long. He thought back to the day in the park when he’d been caught staring at Spence’s stomach. He remembered the taut pale skin over the defined abdominal muscles. He thought of the fine blond hair glistening in the sun. He imagined touching that skin, running his fingers gently across the exposed strip from hip to hip. It would be smooth and warm. There was no denying he wanted to touch Spencer, and he wanted Spence to want to touch him.
Ben closed his eyes and imagined Spence in the shower with him. He touched his now swollen erection, running his fingers from the base to tip and then taking a firm grip. He used the lather to smooth his way as he stroked himself, imagining it was Spence who was providing him with so much pleasure.
It didn’t take long. Not when he thought of Spence, and soon he was shaking with release while moaning Spence’s name under his breath.
And then it was over.
He stood in the shower alone as the water cooled.
